Navajo Nation: No COVID-19 deaths for 4th time in 5-day span

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - The Navajo Nation on Dec. 9 reported 78 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the fourth time in the past five days.

The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s total cases since the pandemic began to 40,334.

The known death toll remains at 1,557.

"Although we are hopeful that the omicron variant will not enter the Navajo Nation, we must anticipate it and prepare," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement Thursday. "The best way to prepare is to get more of our people fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and to get more booster shots to those who were previously vaccinated...We have to remain diligent and keep pushing back on the virus."

Nez has again called for everyone on the vast reservation to get a booster shot and wear masks.

The reservation covers 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and extends into parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

MORE: Coronavirus in Arizona: Latest case numbers

In order to protect yourself from a possible infection, the CDC recommends: 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Monitor your health daily

More COVID-19 in Arizona news

• Arizona health officials announce first omicron COVID-19 variant case in the state
• 'A beautiful burden': Family takes over south Phoenix Christmas tree business after father dies of COVID-19
• As ICUs fill up, patients in Arizona face long wait for emergency room doctor

Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu. 

Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.

RELATED: Is it the flu, a cold or COVID-19? Different viruses present similar symptoms

To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.

And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.

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